Sash windows for architect's historic offices

Chris Dyson Architects has recently moved to the corner of Commercial Street and Fashion Street after outgrowing their previous office. After the move they sought to ensure a sympathetic overhaul of the building, preserving its history whilst making a more homely base for the team.

The brief was to restore the building’s exterior, a full interior refurbishment and the addition of further space. The approach was to strip back the 20th century interventions to reveal the building’s historic fabric and only make-good where required. The design was adapted along the way to incorporate and exhibit historic elements that had been uncovered during construction.

Research shows that a public house has been on the site since the early 19th century, with the current building standing since the 1850’s. The Queens Head pub stopped trading as a public house in 1927, and the building has taken on other identities since this time.

Although not listed, the building is of particular interest to pub history and Jack the Ripper enthusiasts, having links to two of his victims; one of which was seen standing outside the pub shortly before her death.

Working closely with their building contractor and the local authorities, the project took a year to complete, including the refurbishment of the ground floor coffee shop.

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